Latest news with #FacilitationFund
Borneo Post
20-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
New Sarawak Craft Council HQ, gallery to be built in Kuching
Abdul Karim (centre) speaks to the media at the press conference while Snowdan (right) and Sherrina look on. – Photo by Agnes Tugong KUCHING (June 20): A one-stop craft centre is set to be built in the heart of Kuching to serve as the headquarters of the Sarawak Craft Council and a dedicated gallery for local craft products, said State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. He said the centre will be strategically located behind the Sikh Temple adjacent to the road leading to the Borneo Cultures Museum. 'This will be the central hub for Sarawak's craft activities. Museum visitors who wish to purchase local craft items can head directly to the centre after their visit,' he told a press conference after chairing the Sarawak Craft Council meeting today, adding that construction is expected to take approximately two years. Abdul Karim, is also the newly appointed Sarawak Craft Council chairman, said the council's temporary office will operate out of the Sarawak Steamship Building until the new facility is ready. He did not disclose the cost and when the construction will begin. On a related note, Abdul Karim said to further promote local crafts and recognise outstanding artisans, a Sarawak Craft Festival or Craft Day will be introduced soon. The festival, he added, would become a regular event, potentially starting as early as next year, to honour exceptional crafters through awards, certificates, or even designating craft icons He added that to streamline policy implementation and promotional efforts, all craft centres in Miri, Sibu, and other locations will be brought under the purview of the Sarawak Craft Council. 'Registration with the Sarawak Craft Council is encouraged to have access to various benefits such as support funds, promotions as well as skills development and marketing programmes. 'We have funds such as the Facilitation Fund, and if they do not want to register, they will lose out,' he said. To boost global visibility, Abdul Karim said the council would also help artisans market their products online and facilitate participation in international tourism and trade events such as ITB Berlin and the World Travel Market in London. He said the uniqueness and authenticity of Sarawak's crafts are major selling points on the global stage. 'Authentic and fine handmade products always have their own values. We need to patent our designs so that they are not copied or registered by outsiders,' he said. As an example, he cited the traditional Iban top hat 'Topi Tunjang', which recently drew the attention of the French President Emmanuel Macron during the 'Revelations Biennale Paris 2025' exhibition in Paris on May 21, as proof that Sarawak crafts have strong international appeal when properly showcased. Abdul Karim expressed confidence that with a comprehensive development strategy, Sarawak could not only become a national craft hub but also a benchmark for the regional craft industry. Also present at the press conference were State Deputy Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, Datuk Snowdan Lawan and the ministry's permanent secretary Datu Sherrina Hussaini.
Borneo Post
05-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Establishment of Dayak business centre in Miri being proposed
Snowdan (right) greets those attending the 11th Miri Gawai Dayak Bazaar in Permyjaya. MIRI (May 5): Having a Dayak business centre can greatly assist entrepreneurs from this community here. This was highlighted by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Datuk Snowdan Lawan in his opening speech for the 11th Miri Gawai Dayak Bazaar at Permyjaya here on Saturday night, where Mayor Adam Yii was also present. 'I'd like to propose for the establishment of a Dayak business centre in Miri. 'In Sarawak, we are fortunate to have ample land and possibly, existing buildings that could be repurposed for this cause. 'This centre could cater to both small-scale and large-scale business operations run by the Dayak community,' he said. Adding on, Snowdan said such a facility could enable the Dayak entrepreneurs to develop business models and explore more opportunities, including into sectors like property development. 'More importantly, the business centre could also serve as a training ground for emerging Dayak entrepreneurs – helping them build capacity, gain market access, and refine their business strategies. 'My vision is for Miri to pioneer this initiative, and eventually, to see a Dayak business centres established in every district in Sarawak.' On a relevant note, Snowdan called upon members of the Dayak community here to venture out of their comfort zone and explore entrepreneurship. 'Today, we see many Dayaks in industries such as offshore, teaching, nursing, and other sectors. While these professions are noble, I encourage our community to look beyond the conventional; to explore entrepreneurship and other emerging industries. 'Let us challenge ourselves to grow, diversify, and innovate.' The deputy minister also advised those already in business to always support one another, so that they could grow and prosper together. 'There is much we can learn from the success of other communities, especially the Chinese. 'One critical lesson is unity – uplift one another, instead of bringing each other down. 'We must rid ourselves of the 'crab mentality' and instead, embrace a culture of encouragement and collaboration. 'The Iban community alone numbers around 900,000 in Sarawak. Though we are not a large group, our strength lies in our unity and mutual support,' he stressed. Snowdan also encouraged Dayak-based non-government organisations (NGOs) here to take advantage of the funding programmes made available by the ministry. 'We offer two main types of funding. The first one is the event's grant for the organisation of events promoting culture and the arts; the second one is Dana Mudahcara (Facilitation Fund) for NGOs to conduct workshops on skills such as traditional costume-making, 'ngajat' (Iban traditional dance) classes, and production of handicrafts. Later, Snowdan announced an allocation of RM20,0000 for Gagasan Anak Dayak Sarawak, in support of its organisation of the annual Gawai Dayak Bazaar. The 11th Miri Gawai Dayak Bazaar is currently taking place in Permyjaya until this May 24. Themed 'Berdagang, Berami, Begawai' (Trade, Gather and Celebrate), this year's edition features 54 food and beverage stalls, as well as 20 handicraft stalls. dayak businesses entrepreneurs lead Snowdan Lawan
Borneo Post
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Snowdan urges groups to tap RM10 mln creative industry fund to preserve traditional arts
Snowdan (fifth left) receiving a handcrafted Orang Ulu traditional shield from Mujan, as Dennis (second right), Yii (third right) and other guests look on. MIRI (May 1): Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, has encouraged cultural organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to apply for the Ministry's Dana Mudahcara (Facilitation Fund) to promote and preserve traditional arts and handicrafts. Speaking at the Orang Ulu Creative Crafts Dinner held at the Imperial Hotel here last night, Snowdan said the RM10 million fund is available annually and specifically targets initiatives in the creative industry. 'This is a new fund from our Ministry. I believe not many people are aware of it. It can be used to organise workshops, classes, or even set up an academy,' he said. According to him, interested organisation can apply for the funding to set up workshops or classes to teach youngsters and youths how to make traditional handicrafts. 'Because usually, these crafts are only known by the older generation. You need to pass down the skills to the younger generation. Otherwise, they will disappear with time. 'We want continuity so that our children and grandchildren can learn how to make handicrafts. You can apply for this funding to run classes, teach, organise workshops and so on. 'It (the workshops) can be for two days or three days – it's up to you. You can apply for RM30,000, RM50,000, RM70,000, RM100,000, or RM150,000 depending on how big your class or workshop is,' he said. 'For example, a dinner like tonight's, which promotes Orang Ulu crafts and culture, could also be eligible — as long as traditional elements are showcased,' he added. Snowdan said that organisations that wish to apply for the funding can visit the ministry's website to download the application form. 'It's very simple – provided the NGO or craft association is registered with the Registrar of Societies (ROS) and has a valid account,' he pointed out. He added that the fund can also be applied for Orang Ulu music and dance classes, to teach and preserve these traditions. He also encouraged applications for initiatives such as traditional Orang Ulu music and dance classes, cooking classes, or the production of documentaries focused on the community's heritage. 'There are 19 different categories available under this fund, including support for cultural performances, culinary arts, and even short films,' he said. During the event, Snowdan also announced a RM20,000 grant for Kelab Wanita Berwawasan Baram, the organiser of the dinner, to continue promoting Orang Ulu arts and crafts. Also present were Telang Usan assemblyman and club patron Dennis Ngau, Miri Mayor Adam Yii, and the event's organising chairperson Mujan Lah. Dana Mudahcara funding Handicrafts Snowdan Lawan traditional arts
